Germany Deports 23 Afghan Nationals Following Negotiations with Taliban

Germany deported 23 Afghan nationals via a charter flight from Leipzig airport to Kabul on Tuesday, August 25. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated on X that most of the individuals were convicted of serious crimes, including sexual assault and intentional violence. While the government does not officially recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government, it has negotiated with them to organize these deportation flights. In June 2026, high ranking Taliban officials were invited to Brussels for negotiations with approximately fifteen European Union countries.

This operation follows a shift in migration policy under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. While Berlin previously prioritized the deportation of criminals, the government has begun deporting individuals whose asylum applications were rejected even if they lack a criminal record. Since the start of the legislature in mid 2025, 228 Afghan men have been returned to Afghanistan. Minister Dobrindt emphasized that those without a right to stay in Germany must expect to leave the country.

The deportations have faced criticism from human rights organizations and political opponents. Critics point to the severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, including widespread malnutrition and high unemployment. They also highlight the Taliban's restrictive interpretation of Islamic law, which denies girls education beyond age 12. One man deported in July told the dpa that he had arrived in Germany at age 14 and had partially forgotten his native language, noting that the deportation separated him from his wife and child.